The Koan Project arises from the need to work on presence.

The name Koan, which we have chosen, is part of a teaching and pedagogical system related to Zen, aimed at training the student’s intuition.

Thus, the project proposes a choreographic residency focused on the quality of presence on stage, in a process that begins with improvisation and finds one of its possible forms in choreographic composition, including vocal action and the art of speech as essential elements of this research.

The goal of the work is to provide the dancer/performer/actor with a precise practice aimed at training intuition and stabilizing presence. Developing the process of embodiment, that is, understanding one’s experience by integrating psychological, physical, and imaginative aspects; preparing a perceptive mind, to be and not do. Presence as the practice of self. A deep listening… awareness… imagination… pleasure, in order to fully be what one can be…

All aesthetic experiences are potentially transformative: the aesthetic moment is part of the “unthought known.” Therefore, the focus will be on the relationships between thought, emotion, and action, creating an active dialogue to ensure that the performative act remains powerfully expressive. Intuition as a high form of knowledge.

Instant Composition will be used as a privileged tool for the action of self-research, both alone, with others, and with live music.